NBA Trade Talks: Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard and More

NBA trade talks are once again stirring up as the trade deadline draws closer. At the center of the trade rumors is the possible exile of Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics. For some, this does not come as much of a surprise. Rondo has been cited lately for his poor attitude, especially towards head coach Doc River and general manager Danny Ainge. Not to mention, the Celtics have a higher winning percentage in the 12 games Rondo missed in 2012 than the 10-13 record they hold with him at the helm. Rondo’s trade potential is also Boston’s best leverage dealing with other teams. He is the youngest star-caliber player on the team and can likely reap good talent in return.

Despite those reports, both Rivers and Ainge are standing by their star point guard. The Celtics’ head coach has gone so far as to say nothing is wrong between Rondo and the organization.

“My relationship with Rajon is as strong as it has ever been. Our communication has never been better. I want him here,” said Rivers in response to allegations of a feuding relationship with the three time all-star.

Rivers went on to say that he is almost certain Rondo would not be going anywhere this season.

In other trade news, Pau Gasol’s name is centered on many team’s current trade ambitions. There are talks of him being involved with a trade to the Houston Rockets, or to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard. While the Orlando/L.A. trade may be far-fetched, some say it could be a blockbuster trade in the works involving other standout players, like Hedo Turkoglu.

What’s more, there is buzz about Gasol leaving Los Angeles for Boston in exchange for Rondo. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the fate of Gasol will be decided. Without a doubt his tenure as a Laker seems to be drawing to an end with all of the trade talks.

On a related note, there are rumors that Dwight Howard wants to team with Steve Nash. Whether that means Howard to the Phoenix Suns or Nash to the Orlando Magic is uncertain. What is certain, however, is that the combination on the court would be a thrill to watch.

At this point, the fate of Howard is also largely up in the air. He has made it crystal clear that he wants a big shift to happen. This comes after the Golden State Warriors made repeated attempts at landing a deal with Howard. They continue to do so.

Away from trade talks, Lamar Odom’s presence in Dallas seems to be on the rocks as he has missed two extra games than previously expected while attending to family affairs. He is currently scheduled to play on the Dallas Mavericks’ D-league team. The demotion of sorts seems to be more of a precautionary measure, making sure to easy him back into the NBA pace after his extended leave. However, it could also be a message for him to better communicate with his team and front office.

“Trust factor is always big. For that, he’s going to have to earn it with a lot of the guys. But we all give second chances, third chances,” Dallas Point Guard Jason Kidd said about his distant teammate.

Obviously, Odom has some work to do by regaining the trust of his teammates and organization. Ultimately, what really matters is his performance on the court and how he meshes with his teammates. It is evident that Kidd and fellow teammate Dirk Nowitzki want another championship, whether Odom has the commitment to be a part of that remains to be seen.